This first stage requires enough stamina and physical fitness but not a high level of Alpine experience as the ridges and crossings – except the last two stages – are free of ice. Of course you can descend before you reach the glacier.

The trailhead is at the construction deposit on the main road in Ötztal-Bahnhof, east of the village limits. Follow the signs to “Larchet, Höpperg”. Before you reach the chapel you make a right towards „Grün“, another right to Höpperg. Walk through meadows up to the houses, then follow the unsealed road and continue on it until it starts descending. Pick up the trail to your left which climbs through the forest before joining the road to Lake Brandsee - also known as Amberger See. Continue towards “Sattele” where you pick up the eastern path to Marlstein (approx. 45 minutes). From Marlstein walk in the same direction down to Mareil. Take Kaiser-Franz-Josef Trail left of the road. From here it’s another 200-meter climb to Dortmunder Hütte. Option: spend the night in Marlstein or Mareil. Walking time Ötztal-Bahnhof - Marlstein: approx. 4.75 hrs, add 30 minutes to get to Mareil.

STAGE 2:

DORTMUNDER HÜTTE (1949 m) –> SCHWEINFURTER HÜTTE (2028 m)

Route: steep path, footpath

Requirements: surefootedness, good head for heights; red mountain trail

At the entrance to Kühtai you follow the signs to “Finstertaler Scharte” or “Schweinfurter Hütte”. At first the route travels almost flat through beautiful pasturelands, later it climbs through the meadows east of the access road to Finstertaler Reservoir of which you can see the mighty, 149-meter tall dam. After a short but steep stretch you continue along the access road to the crest of the dam. Follow the footpath along the eastern shore of the reservoir which has a capacity of 60 million cubic meters. At the southern end of the reservoir the trail climbs steeply towards Finstertaler Scharte. The 2777 meter high ridge affords spectacular views of the surrounding peaks including Wildspitze, Tirol’s highest mountain, in the south. From the top of the pass the trail weaves down through meadows and pasturelands and then switchbacks down to Schweinfurter Hütte which is beautifully nestled in the meeting point of Horlachtal and Zwieselbachtal valleys.

Take the road into Zwieselbachtal, following the signs to “Winnebachseehütte”. Pass Zwieselbacher Sennhütte and continue through the woodless but verdant Zwieselbachtal Valley. The road ends at 2150 meters - continue on the footpath through rubble and boulders. The trail eventually climbs through a scree slope which can be a bit difficult and tiring as there is no signposted route leading across the gravel field. In the summer there is no ice or snow on the way to Zwieselbachjoch Ridge which is located to the right of the glacier. To the west you can see mighty Breiter Grieskogel with its glacier. Once you have crossed the saddle the trail descends quickly and then levels out as it reaches Winnebachkar basin. Cross the basin to get to Winnebachseehütte and the rushing mountain brook which meanders into the scenic high Alpine lake.

From Winnebachseehütte the trail leads in switchbacks towards the peak of Ernst-Riml-Spitze. Right before you reach the glacier fields of Bachfallenferner we climb the steeply winding route. The view of Bachfallenferner Glacier and the crossing itself are really amazing. The almost level path becomes a bit steeper up to the ridge of Gaislehnscharte, the highest point. A short climbing section awaits you but you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas. Steep descent through Schrankar down to Hinteres Sulztal Valley and Amberger Hütte.

You first follow the flat valley trail along the brook in southern direction and then turn right into the ascending trail. Keep to the right at the trail fork. The route continues climbing gently along the lateral moraine until you reach Sulztalferner Glacier. Time to rope up! Continue along the right edge of the glacier to the foot of Wilde Leck area and on to Wütenkarsattel (watch out for crevasses in this section!). Once you have crossed the saddle you descend through crumbly, sliding rock rubble to Wütenkarferner Glacier and a small lake. Keep slightly to the right when crossing the glacier which you leave at its western edge where you meet the trail from Sölden to Hochstubaihütte. From here it’s an easy ridge walk (100 meters climbing) to the Alpine hut on Wildkarspitze. Don‘t miss out on the truly breathtaking views of the Alpine scenery, which can be enjoyed from this vantage point.

Details

Difficulty

moderate

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Highest point

3163 m

Lowest point

688 m

Equipment

It is recommended to wear hiking equipment such as breathable and weather-adapted outdoor clothing, ankle-high mountain boots, wind, rain and sun protection, cap and possibly gloves. It is also important to have enough food, as well as a first-aid package, a cell phone and a hiking map.

Getting There

Public transport

Enjoy a both comfortable and relaxing train ride to the train station in Ötztal Bahnhof. You get off the train in ÖTZTAL Bahnhof where you change to a public bus or local taxi. The current bus schedule can be found at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at

Getting there

Ötztal Bahnhof is located in the western part of Austria in the state TYROL in the Inn valley. For your arrival by car, you can plan the best route from your home town with the route planner online at https://www.google.at/maps

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